Pilot Study of a Novel Application for Data Visualization in Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: A novel software application, Blip, was created to combine and display diabetes data from multiple devices in a uniform, user-friendly manner. The objective of this study was to test the usability of this application by adults and caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: Patients (n = 35) and caregivers of children with T1D (n = 30) using an insulin pump for >1 year ± CGM were given access to the software for 3 months. Diabetes management practices and the use of diabetes data were assessed at baseline and at study end, and feedback was gathered in a concluding questionnaire. Results: At baseline, 97% of participants agreed it was important for patients to know how to interpret glucose data. Most felt that clinicians and patients should share the tasks of reviewing data, finding patterns, and making changes to their insulin plans. However, despite valuing shared responsibility, at baseline, 43% of participants never downloaded pump data, and only 9% did so at least once per month. At study end, 72% downloaded data at least once during the 3-month study, and 38% downloaded at least once per month. Regarding the software application, participants liked the central repository of data and the user interface. Suggestions included providing tools for understanding and interpreting glucose patterns, an easier uploading process, and access with mobile devices. Conclusions: Collaboration between developers and researchers prompted iterative, rapid development of data visualization software and improvements in the uploading process and user interface, which facilitates clinical integration and future clinical studies.

Exploring mobile health applications for self-management of Diabetes Mellitus

“…Estudos vêm demonstrado os efeitos, eficiência e benefícios de gráficos e visualização de dados para DM e seus correlatos [Wong et al 2017]. O gráfico temporal interativo deste estudo permite inspeção e interpretação da interação, causalidade e interdependência entre os fatores de tratamento do DM1 e suas circunstâncias.…”

Uma abordagem de visualização gráfica para compreensão da relação entre os fatores do tratamento de Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1

“…Como esperado, os gráficos mais coloridos e personalizados foram os preferidos. Wong et al (2017) apresentaram a aplicação Blip, composta por um aplicativo móvel, para registro de dados, e um software desktop, para exibição em gráficos diversos. Entre os dados apresentados, estão nível glicêmico, aplicações de insulina, alimentação e carboidratos.…”

“…Partindo desse cenário, a premissa da visualização gráfica desenvolvida neste trabalho é colocar as ocorrências das tarefas do tratamento em um formato de linha do tempo, que pode facilitar a interpretação da associação, causalidade e interdependência de seus fatores e circunstâncias. A visualização da evolução e variação da glicêmica pode evidenciar a ocorrência de comportamentos e padrões para entendimento da interação entre os fatores do tratamento, além da identificação de comportamentos que causam suas falhas e acertos [Wong et al 2017].…”

A Pilot Study of Use of a Software Platform for the Collection, Integration, and Visualization of Diabetes Device Data by Health Care Providers in a Multidisciplinary Pediatric Setting

“…The Tidepool software and data platform for collection and visualization of diabetes data have been previously described. 16,22 A universal ''Uploader'' application 23 collects data from many commercially available glucose meters and all conventional insulin pumps and CGM devices, and it stores the data in secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud storage. Devices that are supported by the system are listed on the Tidepool website (https://tidepool.org/products/tidepooluploader/#devices).…”

“…[36][37][38] To add to the studies of data visualization software use in patients, this study explores the impact of a data integration and visualization tool by HCPs. While it is important to give patients ways to view their data on their own, as we have done previously, 22 it is equally important to equip HCPs with tools that allow them to effectively use data to make management recommendations for patients. HCPs also need tools to facilitate conversations about the data with patients, promoting patient education and empowerment about the use of data.…”